Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center recently received a donation of three art objects honoring Horace Kephart, an early 20th-century outdoors writer and proponent for the establishment of Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Western Carolina University students, faculty and staff are playing an increasingly important role behind the scenes in organizing and staging Folkmoot USA, the Haywood County-based international festival of folk music and dance that kicks up its heels for the 34th year beginning Thursday, July 20.

Pam Meister has been named director of Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center, well known as a showcase for Southern Appalachian culture, programs and exhibits and as a regional facility for research and education.

Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center will hold a bark basket-making workshop as part of its ongoing Appalachian Living craft and skills series Thursday, June 15, from 5:30 until 8:30 p.m.

Western Carolina University’s Mountain Heritage Center will host an edible plants workshop with biologist Jeff Gottlieb as part of its ongoing Appalachian Living craft and skills series from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 7.